Return to work- fed edition

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the “return to normal” is going to become a political issue this year, before the midterms. There will be a rush to get feds back into the office in the hopes others will follow. Just saying this based on how fast mask mandates are being dropped and returning to the office will help Dems looking for something to run on.

Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

If this passes, it is would be vetoed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the “return to normal” is going to become a political issue this year, before the midterms. There will be a rush to get feds back into the office in the hopes others will follow. Just saying this based on how fast mask mandates are being dropped and returning to the office will help Dems looking for something to run on.

Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

If this passes, it is would be vetoed.

Not with this wussy administration. They will bend over backwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

We’ve been given so much flexibility. I agree it could be taken away in a few years.

[Anonymous]

I think at least one of the bills is more about people in customer facing positions where people aren’t being adequately served. Social security not being processed efficiently, stuff like that. If they’ll be sensible about what actually needs an in-office presence, then that’s okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

We’ve been given so much flexibility. I agree it could be taken away in a few years.

My agency has reduced the office space by so much...they would not be able to bring everyone back without leasing new space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

We’ve been given so much flexibility. I agree it could be taken away in a few years.

Exactly. This has been my warning to my employees that have gone remote. Don’t do it unless you’re prepared to quit and find a new job if policies change in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

We’ve been given so much flexibility. I agree it could be taken away in a few years.

Nah. They’ll be grandfathered in. Noone is getting fired because they went remote.

And Republicans are posturing. Covid changed everything about work. Like it or not

Exactly. This has been my warning to my employees that have gone remote. Don’t do it unless you’re prepared to quit and find a new job if policies change in the future.

[Anonymous]

Am I crazy to hope that at some point in the future agencies approve Remote vs Telework. I will continue living in the DC area, if this comes with a pay reduction, I will gladly take it, anything to continue with my glorious non commute and 0 office drama.
Amen

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I crazy to hope that at some point in the future agencies approve Remote vs Telework. I will continue living in the DC area, if this comes with a pay reduction, I will gladly take it, anything to continue with my glorious non commute and 0 office drama.
Amen

Plenty of agencies approving remote right now.

[Anonymous]

Thinking of moving to a state with no state income tax. Dallas, Tx or Manchester, NH. I once lived in Washington state and loved it, but my spouse doesn’t want to go back just yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just saw a news article about Republicans sponsoring Return to Office Act to force federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. I’ve been applying to federal jobs, but it definitely gave me pause. In my current position (not a fed), we have been super efficient and productive teleworking. It probably helps that we have a small staff, but it seems draconian to go back to 2019 telework policies.

Is this true??? I really don't want non-essential vehicles on the road ever again. It seems ridiculous to force people back into the office... People need to start saying no in great numbers.

With the current congress, there's no way this would even get as far as Biden's desk. It's just Republican posturing. There was a similar noise in November, from a lot more Republicans than are behind this bill, that went nowhere.

But it is a good reminder that whatever telework expansion we do get could always be pulled back by an unfriendly congress and/or president.

Could happen anywhere. Right now employees are in driver seat but remember when Yahoo and IBM recalled telework employees— be in office in a month or fired? I am not convinced it will stay a thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think at least one of the bills is more about people in customer facing positions where people aren’t being adequately served. Social security not being processed efficiently, stuff like that. If they’ll be sensible about what actually needs an in-office presence, then that’s okay.

There is no excuse for social security positions and similar customer-facing positions not to be back to normal. Teachers, medical professionals and many others are back full time. It looks terrible that the government is dilly dallying and causing big issues for some folks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I crazy to hope that at some point in the future agencies approve Remote vs Telework. I will continue living in the DC area, if this comes with a pay reduction, I will gladly take it, anything to continue with my glorious non commute and 0 office drama.
Amen

How do you not get bored at home? I love being around people

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think at least one of the bills is more about people in customer facing positions where people aren’t being adequately served. Social security not being processed efficiently, stuff like that. If they’ll be sensible about what actually needs an in-office presence, then that’s okay.

There is no excuse for social security positions and similar customer-facing positions not to be back to normal. Teachers, medical professionals and many others are back full time. It looks terrible that the government is dilly dallying and causing big issues for some folks

I work for an agency that never closed, so I do understand the need for certain things to be in person. But the SSA / VA / IRS issues everybody complains about are unrelated to remote work. Most of that work (like answering IRS help lines) can be done from anywhere. The problem is lack of funding and FTE, and that far pre-dated covid. So did the backlogs.

The only thing that has changed with covid is that it's even harder to fill those public facing positions, many of which are low paid admin work in local offices. If you can qualify for an SSA job and you're willing to work in person, you can do better than SSA right now.